Anthony de JasayAnthony de Jasay, (1925- ) Hungarian writer

Anthony de Jasay Quote

“Having gathered all power to itself, [the State] has become the sole focus of all conflict, and it must construct totalitarian defences to match its total exposure.”

Anthony de JasayAnthony de Jasay
~ Anthony de Jasay

The State [1985] (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1998), p. 287.

Ratings and Comments


Robert, Sarasota

And that is what will implode our country if we just sit back and allow it to happen - its really very simple; the good must overcome the evil - in other words, just because its not effecting you YET it will - listen to the cries of your brothers and sisters and get off your ... and do something about it...

Anon
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Anon    10/19/09

The state, in order to keep and increase its power depends on conflict within and without its border. With conflict on the rise it is wise to remember civil unrest creates the chaos they desire to crack down and it's the state that foments violence so to justfy their power in using the Patriot Act.with full force.

Justin, Elkland

Our government will continue to grab power until the blame for the problems it creates can no longer be shifted. I fear that violent insurrection will follow.

J Carlton, Calgary

All democracies in history have been cyclical. We're nearing the end of the cycle now. And historically speaking, we can look forward to a major shift. Lets hope its for the better. Prepare.

cal, lewisville, tx

Is this the "Change" too many voted for in our last election? Is this really what those voters wanted? Is ignorance still bliss?

jim k, austin

Anon, right on. this is the truth.

Anonymous, Reston, VA, US

There is no context for this quote (short of going out and reading the source work)... what state is being described? Is this his belief/claim, or is he just reporting on his interpretation of some event in the past... it is a worthless quote until put into context! Amazing how some of the above posters seem to believe this is some statement about Obama when it was written in 1985 (during Herr Reagan's reign).

RBESRQ
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RBESRQ    10/19/09

Yes, you have all stated what I believe most feel on this blog but alas though your words are meaningful they lack the structure we so desperately need to move forward. I could sit all day and pontificate about our possible demise - just the other day I read a report that said during the last 12 months 10 million guns and millions of ammunition have been sold - that is not what I meant by a constructive initiative; what is so desperately needed, if we are to overt civil unrest and violence in the streets, is to identify a group or person that we feel has integrity that will lead the charge and bring us from the point of devouring each other - someone or group we can thrust our support behind. Let everyone on this blog put forward ideas and suggestion (that are tenable) that may start the spark which ignites action. Sorry if anyone posted a retort to my previous posts (I have just returned from a 10 day trip) if so please let me know the date. Thanks Robert

RBESRQ
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    RBESRQ    10/19/09

    Oops! sorry Reston you got that one in under the radar. I think the statement is not about Obama but about the times we face and it is perhaps more relevant today than in 1985.

    J Carlton, Calgary

    It all culminating with Obama...so its all relevant to our time...."now". He's the axe man.

    E Archer, NYC

    The exercise of Power contrary to Natural Law (and the common good) requires lots of energy and effort. Stop feeding the beast and it will eventually weaken and die -- but not without a fight...

    Mike, Norwalk

    We hold this truth to be self evident. An astute statement of the obvious.

    Ronw13, Yachats Or

    To state the obvious, current and relevant is an understatement !! Prophetic in many and most all ways ? Yes. Warned by small voices in a large crowd. Archer hits a note of commonsense, stop feeding the beast. Natural Law by whose authority is the question ? Whose God and Creator ? Where are his foot prints ? When were they made in such a way to couple 2000 years of enlightenment, busting a path across Europe, and landing in the Americas !! It is inevitable this time would come. Putting the Foot Down, while Putting Food on the table ? The common man paying a way UNNATURALLY, reinventing the wheel every generation !! The correction entailed never seen before on this planet. Some will stay, some will go, this there is no doubt. The playing field will change dimensionally. Things not seen, will manifest themselves. You really don't want to be around for the Show ! That in itself divides many Christians as to preparedness. " Might " is a word most hang their hat on. I do not ! But whose to know of things to follow such a changing event ? What course to take, by whose authority. This to be seen. The kingdom of God is not in word, but in POWER. that is the cutting edge, to be reveled. Who ,what , where, when, how, why and to what degree ? Seven questions which must and will be answered !

    Bobble, No. Ferrisburgh, VT

    The trouble is that the State also makes itself the source of all benefits, as well ... the construct, like most constructs, is not a one-way street, but a coin which may be viewed from two sides.

    Mike,, Norwalk
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    Mike,, Norwalk Bobble, No. Ferrisburgh, VT 3/25/24

    Bobble, the benefits you reference are all theocratic in source and nature  NOT secularly constitutional. Even roads are produced and maintained from a theocratic socialism's perspective (NOT inalienable rights or liberty at nature's fiscal or otherwise law  all benefits are not equal).

    Ronw13, Yachats Or

    ' Legalized Plunder " Bobble. Redistribution of wealth. ' Entrapment of a Closed System, of false monetary wealth. ! Gold Is Of International Value, Bridges Gapes ! so does Food , Clothing and Shelter ! But does not introduce the attribute of perpetual inheritance of LAND. This Wanted by ALL ! Need we say more upon the homeland of any people ! An outreach of logical reason by what ever nationality !! It HAD TO START SOME WHERE !

    Ronw13, Yachats Or

    DON'T BLAME ISRAEL IF WE ALL WANT THE SAME THING ! NOW WHO IS THE ROD OF DICONTIENT !

    Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

    The State is considering all possibilities in the best interest of all. Socialism is the challenge of social abilities to create diversity.

    Mike,, Norwalk

    Sillik, your here circular word salad is a lie. I am NOT an "all" or part of your desired theocratic enslavement. NO known State is considering my best interest ! ! !  What is best (?) for you is, NOT best for me (we, as are part of that theocratic all you speak of  I'm NOT part).

    @

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